Before the ubiquity of behemoth music festivals invaded popular culture, this country had Fete de la Musique.
Originally celebrated in France, the concept was introduced to the Philippines 20 years ago, as a way to celebrate freedom and culture through the universal language of music. It is known today as the two-decade strong, annual music showcase that puts the spotlight on the breadth and diversity of Filipino talent, anchored on its original French ideals.
Created 37 years ago by two brothers, Serge and Yves Bensimon envisioned how they could create a symbolic icon of Parisian ideals with a pair of shoes. Combining a simple and utilitarian aesthetic, they managed to reinvent the timeless sneaker design into something that embodies the Parisian way of life—chic, effortless and natural.
“This year, Bensimon, a brand that shares the event’s inherent Parisian inclinations, is proud to have been given the chance to be a part of Fete de la Musique’s largest staging yet,” begins Lynch Imbat, PR & Advertising Officer.
For 2014, Fete de la Musique placed the spotlight on three main stages across the metro and 19 pocket stages with its own exclusive musical genres. It’s a diverse mix of local and French artists, prominent bands and independent musicians—a true testament of culture and diversity. These are the values that Bensimon shares and celebrated alongside Fete de la Musique as they auctioned one-of-a-kind, artist-designed Bensimon pairs at the event.
Exclusively for the event, pairs featuring the aesthetics of artists such as visual artist, Rai Cruz; caricature artist Meneer Manalo; street artist Archie Geotina; designer Dan Matutina; illustrator Anjo Bollarda; graphic artist Katrina Pallon; graffiti artist Dee Jae Paeste; and renowned design group Electrolychee were up for auction at the Greenbelt 3 Fete de Musique Mainstage. All proceeds from the auction will go the Virlanie Foundation—a private, non-profit organization reaching out to street children in the Philippines.
“What better way to celebrate the unique point of view that this brand stands for than by tying it together with an event long known for its focus on cultural diversity? It was truly a privilege to be able to be a part of this event and we look forward for more opportunities to introduce the values of Bensimon to more Filipinos in the years to come,” adds Jheric Delos Angeles, Assistant Marketing Manager.
Bensimon sneakers are available at CommonThread (Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall), Rustans (Gateway, Makati, Alabang Town Center, Shangrila), Center of Gravity (Burgos Circle and Centris Walk), Shoe Salon (Glorietta 3, Power Plant Mall Rockwell, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and Trinoma), and Shoe Thing (Kids styles only: Bonifacio High Street, Eastwood Mall, and Greenbelt 5). The price ranges from 2,095 to 2,565 for the men’s and women’s line and 1,295 to 1,795 for the kids’ styles.
Visit www.bensimon.com.ph for more information.